After the Prince’s Estate delivered the betrothal gifts, the marriage between the two families was considered completely settled. Before long, news that Gu Zhan and Wen Yunyue’s wedding date had been set spread throughout the capital.
Now whenever Wen Yunyue attends flower-viewing banquets, many people brought up the matter with her. On the surface, they envied her for securing such a good marriage, but in reality, they were mocking her for having to marry a reckless playboy like Gu Zhan.
Lin Yuwei spat disdainfully. “Seeing how fake every single one of them acts makes me sick.”
Wen Yunyue’s expression remained calm. Holding her hand, she said, “They’ve always been like this. Why bother arguing with them?”
Because Wen Yunyue was talented in many arts, she was very popular among the noble matrons. Although Marquis Yong’an’s reputation was poor, she still had the backing of the Shan family, and many people had once hoped to arrange a marriage between her and their sons.
Naturally, this drew envy and jealousy. Since there was nothing they could actually do, they could only make sarcastic remarks behind her back.
Lin Yuwei and Wen Yunyue were extremely close friends. Although Wen Yunyue did not care, Lin Yuwei could not stand it. If Wen Yunyue had not stopped her, Lin Yuwei might have started a fight with them long ago.
It had always been this way since childhood. Even though Lin Yuwei was a few months younger than Wen Yunyue, she always protected her like an elder sister.
Even knowing full well that no one could bully Wen Yunyue given her intelligence, Lin Yuwei still stepped forward for her every single time.
Lin Yuwei snorted coldly and barely suppressed her anger before asking, “Yue’er, what exactly happened between you and Gu Zhan? I only stayed at my maternal grandparents’ home for a few months, and suddenly you’re already getting married to him?”
Lin Yuwei’s maternal family was one of Jiangnan’s great clans. Her father had become Minister of Rites largely due to support from his wife’s family. Since the elderly couple adored Lin Yuwei, her father sent her to Jiangnan for a few months every year so she could fulfill filial duties on his behalf.
The moment Wen Yunyue saw Lin Yuwei’s expression, she knew she was upset. Although they had not met in person during those months, they had continued exchanging letters. Lin Yuwei was clearly angry that Wen Yunyue had not told her about the marriage.
Wen Yunyue poured her a cup of tea. “Weiwei, don’t be upset. Drink some tea first.”
Lin Yuwei deliberately kept a cold face as she glanced at her. “Don’t think you can fool me just by flattering me.”
As Wen Yunyue’s closest friend, Lin Yuwei had actually been the last person to learn that Wen Yunyue was going to marry Gu Zhan. How could she possibly be happy about it?
Wen Yunyue smiled. “Miss Lin is so clever. How could I ever deceive you?”
The chill on Lin Yuwei’s round little face eased slightly.
“Weiwei, you should understand my purpose. Marrying Gu Zhan benefits me.”
Lin Yuwei had already guessed that was the reason, which only made her feel worse. “Yue’er, marriage is something that affects your entire life. How can you ruin your future because of those vile people?”
Wen Yunyue looked directly at her and smiled gently. “Weiwei, in my heart, nothing is more important than this matter.”
“But you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice your marriage. Once General Shan returns to the capital—”
“It’s useless.” Wen Yunyue shook her head. “As long as Mother refuses to divorce him, Grandfather will always have reservations.”
Yet for Wen Yunyue’s sake, Marquis Yong’an’s Wife would never divorce Marquis Yong’an. Because of her daughter, she had long since worn away all the sharp edges she once possessed.
Wen Yunyue had been mature from a young age. She had watched Marquis Yong’an’s Wife change step by step, watched her suppress herself more and more. Wen Yunyue had once urged her mother to divorce Marquis Yong’an, but Marquis Yong’an’s Wife had merely smiled and never taken the suggestion seriously.
Maternal love was great. Wen Yunyue could not persuade Marquis Yong’an’s Wife, but she had long ago resolved to make those people pay the price.
She did not intend to rely on the Shan family for this matter. She would seek justice for Marquis Yong’an’s Wife using her own methods.
Seeing that Lin Yuwei still looked unhappy, Wen Yunyue smiled and said, “Weiwei, things are not as terrible as you think. I was destined to marry eventually. Rather than marrying someone else, I’d rather marry Gu Zhan. At least this is my own choice.”
She was Marquis Yong’an’s only legitimate daughter. There was no way Marquis Yong’an would ever ignore her marriage arrangements.
From the very beginning, Wen Yunyue had seen everything clearly. She had long known Marquis Yong’an would destroy her engagement with Wei Hao.
Although Wen Yunyue and Wei Hao had been engaged since childhood, they had only met a handful of times. Whether she married Wei Hao or not did not matter to her. She simply refused to let Marquis Yong’an manipulate her, which was why she deliberately chose the original owner, who was foolish and easy to control.
Everyone believed the original owner pursuing Wen Yunyue meant she was unfortunate enough to be targeted by him. Little did they know that everything had been carefully planned by Wen Yunyue herself.
Hearing this, Lin Yuwei sighed. Now that the marriage was already settled, she knew nothing she said could stop it. “Yue’er, does Gu Zhan… treat you well?”
Wen Yunyue recalled how Gu Zhan treated her like a plague and smiled faintly. “Quite well.”
“That’s good. If he ever treats you badly, you must tell me. For my father’s sake, Prince Cheng would surely keep Gu Zhan under control.”
Wen Yunyue nodded. “Alright.”
After news of the betrothal gifts spread, Gu Zhan was questioned several times as well. However, everyone knew his temper was poor, so no one dared pry too much. Most people were simply envious.
Women were not the only ones powerless in marriage arrangements. Men were the same. Among imperial clansmen like Gu Zhan, very few could personally choose their marriage partner. How could others not envy him?
On top of that, Wen Yunyue was exceptionally beautiful, making them even more jealous.
Playboys tended to think simply. When choosing a wife, they only cared whether she was pretty and whether her family background was acceptable.
So compared to the sarcasm Wen Yunyue faced, the atmosphere around Gu Zhan was far more harmonious.
Still, Gu Zhan was not used to people asking about his private affairs, so he quickly found an excuse and escaped with Liu Kang.
The moment they stepped outside, Liu Kang wiggled his brows at him. “Second Young Master, if you want to see Eldest Miss Wen, just say so directly. Why bother making excuses?”
Gu Zhan did not understand. “What do you mean, Zichen?”
Liu Kang rolled his eyes. “You don’t even trust me? Eldest Miss Wen is attending a flower-viewing banquet here today. I already know that much.”
Coincidentally, the place they had chosen today was not far from where Wen Yunyue’s banquet was being held.
Several young ladies from the Liu Duke’s Household were attending as well, otherwise Liu Kang would not have known.
But Gu Zhan truly had no idea.
The moment he heard that, his heart skipped a beat and his first instinct was to leave immediately. He did not want to see Wen Yunyue.
Unfortunately, some people truly appeared the moment they were mentioned. Before Gu Zhan could even turn around, he saw Wen Yunyue walking over with a delicate-looking young woman. The two groups met face-to-face directly.
The corner of Gu Zhan’s mouth twitched. Was this what they called enemies meeting on a narrow road?
Lin Yuwei had a straightforward personality and hated speaking with noble ladies who constantly spoke in circles. Every conversation with them tested her patience, so after staying only a short while, she dragged Wen Yunyue out for fresh air.
And that was how they happened to run into Gu Zhan.
Wen Yunyue was also momentarily stunned upon seeing him, but she quickly recovered and bowed slightly. “Greetings, Second Young Master.”
Lin Yuwei followed with a greeting as well. Although she had been dissatisfied with Gu Zhan earlier, she restrained her temper upon seeing him. She did not want Gu Zhan to take out his anger on Wen Yunyue because of her.
Even though Gu Zhan’s reputation was poor, Lin Yuwei still hoped Wen Yunyue could find happiness.
Gu Zhan nodded awkwardly. “Why is Miss Wen here?”
Liu Kang secretly curled his lips. What a pointless question.
Wen Yunyue smiled. “I was invited to admire the flowers.”
“Then Miss Wen may continue. I won’t disturb you any longer.”
After speaking, Gu Zhan prepared to leave.
Seeing this, Wen Yunyue paid no attention to the fact that outsiders were present. She stepped forward and tugged on his sleeve. Lowering her eyes slightly, she asked softly, “Second Young Master does not wish to see me?”
Gu Zhan quickly shook his head and laughed dryly twice. “Not at all. I was only afraid of disturbing Miss Wen.”
His mentality still had not adjusted yet. Every time he thought about marrying Wen Yunyue and completely offending Wei Hao in the process, his head started to ache. He truly felt as though his life might not be safe much longer.
After speaking, Gu Zhan cautiously tried to pull back his sleeve, only to realize Wen Yunyue was gripping it quite firmly.
As though noticing his movement, Wen Yunyue lifted her head and looked at him with eyes as clear as water.
Gu Zhan immediately lost confidence under her gaze and blurted out instinctively, “How about I accompany you for a walk?”
The moment he said it, Gu Zhan regretted it. But Wen Yunyue agreed immediately, not giving him any chance to take the words back.
Gu Zhan glanced at Lin Yuwei behind her. “Then what about this young lady?”
He did not know Lin Yuwei personally.
Lin Yuwei quickly replied, “I can return home myself.”
Liu Kang also had no desire to play the third wheel and immediately added, “Second Young Master and Miss Wen should enjoy yourselves a while longer. I’ll have someone escort Miss Lin home.”
Although Liu Kang was a playboy, he was extremely well-informed and knew many people. Since Lin Yuwei was close friends with Wen Yunyue, he knew he could not afford to neglect her.
With both Liu Kang and Lin Yuwei being so understanding, Gu Zhan could no longer find any excuse and could only leave together with Wen Yunyue.
After walking several steps, Wen Yunyue still had not released his sleeve. Gu Zhan could not help but remind her, “There are many people on the street. Isn’t this somewhat inappropriate, Miss Wen?”
Only then did Wen Yunyue seem to realize it. She hurriedly let go of his sleeve and stepped back several paces.
In the next instant, because she retreated too quickly, she stumbled over a small hole by the roadside. Her body swayed as she nearly fell.
Seeing this, Gu Zhan hurriedly reached out to pull her back. But because he used too much force, Wen Yunyue fell directly into his arms.
Feeling the softness against him, Gu Zhan froze completely. This was the first time in his life he had been so intimate with a woman, leaving him utterly at a loss.
Wen Yunyue leaned naturally against his chest. Catching the cool, clean scent on him, her expression remained calm. Yet when she heard Gu Zhan’s heartbeat suddenly quicken, the corners of her lips curved slightly upward.
After an unknown amount of time, Gu Zhan finally snapped back to his senses. He hurriedly pushed Wen Yunyue away and apologized with reddened ears and face, “I have offended Miss Wen.”
In Gu Zhan’s eyes, this kind of physical contact always put women at a disadvantage.
Wen Yunyue shook her head. “It was thanks to Second Young Master just now.”
“It was only a small effort.”
Seeing that Wen Yunyue showed no sign of discomfort, Gu Zhan finally relaxed slightly. Without drawing attention to it, he quietly moved a little farther away from her before the two continued walking forward together.
Wen Yunyue noticed Gu Zhan’s small action but pretended not to see it.